Ag and Cu Nanoparticles Synergistically Enhance Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Activity of B Phase TiO2

Considering that CO 2 is a harmful greenhouse gas, the effective conversion of this compound to high-value hydrocarbons is highly desirable, but also challenging. Herein, we synthesize a series of Cu- and Ag-modified TiO 2 (B phase) photocatalysts, and we analyze their efficiency in catalyzing the photoreduction of CO 2 in the presence of H 2 O and simulated solar irradiation. The obtained results show that the TiO 2 (B) catalyst modified with 1% Ag and 0.5% Cu has the best photoreduction performance, with CO and CH 4 yields of 860 and 410 μmol/g, respectively, after for 3 h of reaction. Based on CO 2 -TPD testing, Cu enhances the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 (B) by adsorbing and activating CO 2 . Meanwhile, the Ag nanoparticles increase the absorption of visible light through surface plasmonic resonance effect (SPR), and they transfer electrons to the TiO 2 (B) nanosheets. The transferred electrons migrate to the Cu particles where they reduce the adsorbed and activated CO 2 . This study provides an effective method for improving the photocatalytic CO 2 reduction performance of TiO 2 (B)-based catalysts. Graphic Abstract